[Objective] The coupling degree and coupling coordination degree of China's rural water resources poverty index and economic poverty index were calculated in order to provide a theoretical basis and policy enlightenment for alleviating rural water poverty and economic poverty.[Methods] Spatio-temporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the coupling coordination degree of rural water resource poverty and economic poverty from 31 provinces (cities and districts) in China during 2001-2017 were used with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the entropy method, the system coupling coordination degree model, and the spatial Dublin panel data model.[Results] ① On the whole, although the coupling coordination degree of rural water resource poverty and economic poverty in China was not high, it was generally on the rise, and the coupling degree was greater than the coupling coordination degree of 31 provinces (cities and districts) in China. ② From the spatial perspective, the coupling coordination degree of rural water resource poverty and economic poverty in China was spreading from southeast to northeast and southwest. Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province in the eastern coastal region, Fujian Province and Guangdong Province in the southern coastal region, and Hu'nan Province in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River had the highest coupling coordination degree. ③ There was a significant negative spillover effect between the coupling coordination degree of rural water resource poverty and rural economic poverty. Fiscal expenditures on agriculture, forestry, and water conservancy play a significant role in promoting the development of agricultural products, while excessively high prices of agricultural products and the proportion of secondary and tertiary industries will inhibit their development.[Conclusion] Countries should increase or maintain financial support to the rural original, give full play to the government and market in the allocation of resources and adjust action. While reasonably adjusting the price of agricultural products, we should increase the input of agricultural technology, strengthen regional division of labor and cooperation, and promote industrial upgrading, so as to ensure the coordinated development of rural water resources and rural economy.